It’s a new year and it’s fun to speculate what it might bring. In the beginning of 2023 we of course had some suspicion that Sand Serpent may be closing sooner than later (like we hear about Kumba today), but nothing was confirmed. We also had no clue there would be a second B&M invert coming in the form of Phoenix Rising to take its place. In checking building permits there doesn’t seem to be anything new for 2024 other than some modifications to the giraffe barn. It’s early though and it’ll probably be summer and after Phoenix Rising’s opening before speculation turns to what’s next. However, I believe something Big has to be announced in 2024 for 2025, probably something EPIC if you catch my drift…

The business landscape is changing, both nationally with the Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger and in the state of Florida where Universal is set to open a new park in 2025. The other Florida parks can’t just sit idle that year, they need to create their own buzz and a reason for people to come visit them in 2025. Epic Universal will consume a lot of the theme park media oxygen in 2025 and that’s both a challenge and an opportunity. If people are planning a trip to check out Epic Universe, you can give them a reason to add a day and visit you as well, a rising tide raising all boats. Granted, for many first time guests, a ride on Iron Gwazi may be reason enough, but another addition could really put it over the top.

There is one area of the park and one idea that seems shovel ready for 2025 and that’s the Jungala area of the park for a huge new 2025 coaster. This quiet corner hasn’t seen much action since the Chick-fil-A opened and is a prime area for a big addition. Not only is the Jungala plot of land itself sizable, but it also has potential access to current back areas of the park behind Kumba and the water rapids ride (hopefully meaning neither of them would need to be touched). SeaWorld Orlando made use of a similar drainage area for Mako, so this has been done before.

Could this be the long rumored Giga or maybe the first wing coaster in Florida? The SeaWorld Parks are also known for having some “clones” and copying Williamsburg’s Intamin multi-launch Pantheon or it’s indoor DarKoaster (potentially great for rainy Florida) have also been rumored. After checking the “family” box with Phoenix Rising, virtually anything could be on the table. Coasters in back to back years may seem like a leap, but we’re witnessing SeaWorld Orlando do it with Pipeline and Penguin Trek, so why not at Busch Gardens too?

2025 will no doubt be a huge year in the theme park industry, not only because of Epic Universe, but what everyone else does to match. This will percolate forward for years and decades similar to how the immersive Harry Potter at Universal spawned Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge at Disney. It’ll be fun to watch and great for coaster enthusiasts. Sometimes you can’t compete on dollars or specs and maybe a Giga just doesn’t fit the budget or can get through permitting with height restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go unique and still have something marketable. Pipeline is a great example of this as it doesn’t have crazy specs, but offers a unique stand-up experience you can’t find elsewhere. Only, First, Tallest/Longest/Fastest/Steepest, Most, etc. is an easy sell on a brochure or billboard. Here’s hoping around summer we see some survey markers at BGT, then some rumors and then an announcement of something EPIC for 2025 at Busch Gardens.